Bust of unknown, unsigned 

This drawing by Giovanni Battista Piranesi depicts the mythological abduction of Hylas by nymphs, capturing a moment steeped in symbolic tension. The cave and pool, the traditional abode of nymphs, suggest a threshold between worlds, a place of hidden desires. The nymphs, with their grasping gestures, embody the alluring yet dangerous aspects of nature. These gestures echo across time, seen in ancient Greek vase paintings depicting maenads and in later Renaissance works illustrating similar themes of erotic pursuit and transformation. The nymphs are powerful forces, engaging the viewer on a deep, subconscious level. This is evident in later interpretations of the motif in the art of the Pre-Raphaelites. The myth of Hylas has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.